The Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade today strongly condemn the attack direct to defenseless women after a picture of woman seen being attacked by the ANC male protesters in Luthuli House was circulating on social media.
This picture shows two men dressed in an ANC outfit attacking a woman. Surprisingly, this incident happened in full view of the police but the police did nothing to protect her from these ANC bullies. This is the most disrespectful and shameful behaviour, as the IFPWB we strongly condemn any form of women abuse. The ANC should also be blamed because it shows that its male comrades have no respect towards women. The prevalence of toxic attitudes and violent acts against women is deeply disturbing. It calls for a long-overdue reflection on the social and institutional structures that promote these acts, as well as on our own actions.
Acts of gender-based violence concern us all and must be challenged, especially by those who think they have the privilege to ignore them. To create change, it is essential to recognize that the issue of violence against women knows no frontiers. It happens every day, in our country, in our city, and in our neighbourhood. Because violence against women concerns everyone, let’s raise awareness and step up to reinforce acts of respect to everyone, but particularly to women and girls!, “said the IFPWB National Chairperson MPL, Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha Mthethwa.
“The IFPWB further calls on the Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula to urgently conduct an investigation into this matter. We demand that he must identify and take action against these police officers who failed to protect this woman. There is a need to change this perception and social manners be improved on priority basis by the cops.
Why can’t the SA SAPS shake off the negative image that has been hounding it for so long? No matter what it does, the image of this institution seems to be getting worse every year. Someone must save it.
But where is the Minister? Is the Minister busy on social media? Where is the National Police Commissioner? Why are they hiding? Why can’t they speak up and show us a will of ‘force’? If a leader cannot face up to the problem, then that is even a bigger problem. A leader should not hide or run away from issues or concerns affecting his men and the institution he heads. A leader must face up to the people. As the saying goes, “no guts, no glory.” He must not create suspicion amongst the public. His truthfulness is essential to the force and to the senior officers lest he be seen unfit to exercise his responsibilities as a Minister,” continued Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
“Police officers play a vital role in the law enforcement system. Their first order of business is to serve and protect. They should monitor and investigate criminal activities like detectives; take part in surveillance of communities which include drug prevention, education and road safety; respond to emergency calls; and make arrests. They should help create better rapport between law enforcement agencies and the citizens.
The positive image of the police in this country is more critical now more than any other time in recent history. Police leaders must take a step back and evaluate these negative factors and others to determine if the officers themselves are an integral part of the negative police image problem. Anyone can plainly recognize when a department may have lost its way.
But it takes great courage to reel it back in and address all of the negative aspects that detract from the mission. It’s time to grab the rudder and steer the image ship back on course. It’s time to get back to some basics,” concluded Mrs Madlopha-Mthethwa.
Issued By:
IFPWB National Chairperson
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa
071 884 3844 / 079 114 3015
